Hymn 472 - Rise, Ye Children of Salvation

This week we study the hymn "Rise, Ye Children of Salvation" (Hymn 472 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by German hymn writer Justus Falckner who wrote this hymn in the late 1600's.

This hymn is found in the Communion of Saints section of our hymnal, which is especially fitting for the celebration of All Saints Day, which we will be celebrating this weekend. This hymn is addressed to believers, Christ's Church, as an encouragement to wake up and boldly fight for the faith that has been entrusted to us as Christians. 

The hymnwriter begins by reminding us that, as Christians, we are at war. The devil rages against Christ and His church, using everything at his disposal to destroy God's Church by separating believers from God and His Word. While this might be intimidating and discouraging, we are not alone. Many Christians before us have fought this battle as well. And through the blood of Jesus, they have won the victory, even in death! Falckner reminds us that Jesus has already won. The victory is ours. Thus we are motivated to look to Jesus, and to boldly march forward into this battle, with the confidence that our Savior goes before us. The church today needs this reminder. We need to wake up and fight in this fight, and not stand on the sidelines.

Study this hymn with us, as we are encouraged to "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:12) and to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3). May the LORD give us the zeal to fight this faith, going forward with the strength that He gives!

The LORD bless your worship and proclamation of this truth, both this weekend, and always!